Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a fun twist on two favorites: spicy buffalo chicken and soft, chewy pretzels. Inside each bite-sized pretzel, you’ll find a tasty mix of shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and melty cheese that adds a creamy balance to the heat.
I love making these because they’re perfect for sharing at get-togethers or when you want a snack that feels special but isn’t hard to whip up. I usually make a big batch and serve them with some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping — it’s the perfect combo that keeps everyone coming back for more.
These little bites always remind me of game day snacks and fun parties with friends. They’re easy to pop in your mouth and packed with bold flavors, which makes them a real crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something different to add to your snack rotation, these pretzel bites are definitely worth a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken breast is the base for the filling. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This gives the bites their spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, mix the sauce with a bit of honey or use a mild hot sauce instead.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt, but the texture will be different.
Pretzel Dough: Classic pretzel dough is made with yeast and baking soda bath. You can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour for a chewier texture.
Blue Cheese: Optional but adds classic buffalo flavor. If you don’t like blue cheese, shredded mozzarella works well instead.
How Do You Get the Pretzel Dough Soft and Chewy?
Key to great pretzels is the baking soda bath, which gives the pretzels their unique flavor and crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring water and baking soda to a full boil before adding dough pieces.
- Boil the stuffed pretzel bites for about 30 seconds; this firms up the surface and helps browning.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully to avoid breaking the dough seal.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake immediately after boiling to keep the texture perfect.
Taking these steps ensures your pretzel bites will have a chewy crust and soft interior holding in the spicy buffalo filling. Patience during dough rising also makes a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like it because it’s roomy and makes kneading easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you keep ingredients precise for perfect dough and filling.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – saves effort when kneading the dough, especially in larger batches.
- Slotted spoon – smooths the boiling process without breaking the pretzels.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps the pretzels brown evenly.
- Pastry brush – for brushing egg wash on the pretzels’ surface for a shiny crust.
- Kitchen thermometer (optional) – ensures water is at the right temperature for the yeast to activate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein twist.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or sriracha in the filling for extra heat.
- Add shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
- Stuff with cream cheese mixed with herbs or chopped cooked bacon for extra richness.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Additional blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise and 12-15 minutes for baking. Overall, expect about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, dressing, and blue cheese crumbles (if using). Stir until the filling is creamy and well combined. Set this aside for later.
2. Make the Pretzel Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Solution:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil. This bath helps give the pretzels their classic chewy crust.
4. Assemble the Pretzel Bites:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 20-24 even pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle about 3 inches wide. Place about 1 tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the filling and pinch it closed, forming a smooth ball without any gaps.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, gently lower a few of the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water. Boil each batch for 30 seconds, then remove and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash for a nice golden shine. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake the bites in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
7. Serve:
Let your pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives if you like. Serve warm, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Enjoy these soft, chewy, and spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites that are sure to be a hit for game days, parties, or a cozy snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken first—preferably overnight in the fridge—and pat it dry before shredding to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
Can I Make the Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pretzel bites and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking. This helps save time on the day you want to serve them.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the outer crust crispy.
Can I Substitute the Cheese or Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor. You can also adjust the spice level by using milder wing sauces or mixing buffalo sauce with a bit of honey for sweetness.